The next morning, Rebecca was the first to wake up.
After she freshened up, she walked straight into the kitchen.
"Ma'am," Cassie called out once she noticed Rebecca at the door. "Good morning."
Rebecca's lips were upturned as she nodded.
"Are you making breakfast?"
Cassie nodded.
Rebecca took in her lower lip, as she fell into deep thoughts.
After a short while, she came to stand beside Cassie.
"Can you tell me what my kids' favourite meal is?"
Cassie froze, almost dropping the knife in her hands.
"You... the kids' favourite meal?" She asked, feeling startled by the sudden question.
Rebecca nodded eagerly. "I want to know my kids' likes and dislikes." She paused, sighing. "I have no idea why my memories are a blur, but I want to make it up to them."
Cassie's eyes turned warm. "Liam and Cheryl would be happy if they found out you made them breakfast."
Rebecca smiled. "So... will you tell me what their favourite meal is?"
Cassie nodded.
An hour later, Rebecca looked at the large spread on the table, and her lips curved upwards.
"Madam, you've done well." Cassie beamed, her gaze on the table.
Rebecca flipped her hair. "Of course. You know, while growing up, I've always been a fan of cooking." She rubbed her sore wrist.
"Why did you stop cooking?"
Rebecca sighed, her brows furrowing. She stared at Cassie and shook her head. "That's a mystery."
"Alright. I'll go freshen up, okay?" She patted Cassie's shoulder and walked out of the dining room.
Cassie's gaze lingered on her back, and she exhaled. "I truly hope you've changed, and this isn't one of your many schemes."
The soft sound of footsteps approaching the dining room broke Cassie's thoughts.
"Good morning, Cassie!" The two kids greeted simultaneously once they reached the dining room.
Then—
They stopped in their tracks.
Their sleepy expressions slowly faded as their eyes scanned the table.
Egg fried rice.
Pancakes.
Grilled chicken.
Fresh fruit juice.
The twins exchanged glances.
This was their favourite breakfast.
"Cassie, this is a large spread." Liam said softly. "We only have this during the weekends or during the holidays."
"I know." Cassie grinned as she helped them to their seats. "This was prepared by your mom."
Their eyes went wide, and once again, they exchanged glances.
"M-mom?" Cheryl repeated, her grip tightening around the spoon she had just picked up.
Cassie nodded excitedly.
"That's... impossible." Liam murmured.
"And what makes it impossible?"
Rebecca's voice sounded from the door, and they all snapped their attention towards her.
The kids' eyes went wide with surprise while Cassie's mouth hung open in shock.
"Is that our... mommy?"
Rebecca flashed them a smile as she walked in. Their gazes lingered on her till she settled on her seat.
She wore the minimal black gown she had bought the day before, the fabric falling effortlessly against her frame like a shadow made tangible. Her makeup was just as restrained—soft, barely there—yet it only sharpened the quiet intensity in her gaze.
"Mommy?" Cheryl called out hesitantly.
"Surprised?" She asked softly.
Cheryl nodded subconsciously.
Rebecca grinned softly. She then turned to Liam who was staring at her skeptically.
She inhaled. She thought of how he had stood in front of her to protect her, and her heart warmed.
"These are your favourites. I thought you'd be happy to see them." She spoke softly. Seeing that none of the kids made any attempt to touch the food, her eyes dimmed.
"You don't have to eat it immediately," she said gently. "Take your time."
Cassie sighed, she could tell that Rebecca was disappointed. After all, she prepared the meal with immense motherly love.
Suddenly—
Cheryl picked up the fork.
She flashed a smile at Cassie and said softly. "Since Mommy made this for me, then I should eat it."
With that being said, she took a bite and her eyes widened instantly.
Liam stared at her carefully.
"Big brother, this meal tastes amazing." She praised, her mouth round from being full. "Liam, you should try it."
Liam looked at Cheryl who was happily eating.
He glanced at Rebecca who had an expectant gaze. He inhaled, before he hesitantly picked his fork. His hands hovered the plate before he cut a slice.
A moment later, he placed the slice in his mouth, and his eyes sparkled.
"How is it?" Rebecca asked expectantly.
Liam didn't respond.
Instead, he took one bite.
Then another, then the next, till his plate was empty.
The light in his eyes was too hard to ignore, and the way his lips were upturned gave him away.
Rebecca chuckled seeing his expression. It reminded her of Anderson, and her smile became softer.
She turned her attention to Cheryl. "So... how is it"
Cheryl placed her fork on the table, her eyes were filled with hesitation as she played with her fingers.
"Come on. What's wrong? Wasn't it to your liking? Should I prepare an—"
"Can Mommy continue preparing breakfast for us?" Cheryl cut her off.
Her voice was soft, and her eyes were filled with tears.
Rebecca's chest tightened.
She hurriedly took a seat beside Cheryl, and rubbed her hair softly.
"Don't worry baby," Rebecca pulled her into her arms, holding her tightly. "Mommy will always make breakfast for you, okay? I can also prepare all your meals. As long as it's what you want."
Cheryl's hands tightened around Rebecca as she sniffed. She smiled contentedly as she placed her head against her chest.
Seeing her this way, Rebecca's gaze softened once again. She wondered if the child had always hoped to be held by her this way.
"I never thought that I'd be held by my mommy this way." Cheryl spoke against her chest, her voice muffled.
"Mommy…" Cheryl's fingers tightened around her clothes. "…can you hug me again tomorrow?"
Rebecca's hand stilled for a brief moment..Something twisted quietly in her chest.
"You don't even have to ask." She resumed stroking her hair gently as a thought flashed through her.
Just what sort of mother had she previously been?
Her eyes narrowed as a strange resolve flashed in them.
Across the table, Liam watched them quietly and the grip on his fork tightened.
He also wanted to be hugged by mommy.
"What's going on here?"
A calm authoritative voice rang out.
The four of them froze instantly.